Find out the best treatment option for managing your gum disease.
Has our Albuquerque, NM, periodontist Dr. Petra Mayer recently told you that you have gum disease? If so, you may be wondering what you need to do next to ensure that you don’t experience any complications associated with this chronic inflammatory condition. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the ways in which we can help get your gum disease under control:
The type of treatment our Albuquerque, NM, gum disease specialist will recommend will depend on the severity of your gum disease, other treatments you’ve gone through and your general health. There are both surgical and nonsurgical ways to treat periodontal disease.
If you are in the earliest stages of gum disease (known as gingivitis) then you’re in luck. This mild form of gum disease can actually be reversed with the proper care. This will require that you provide your teeth and gums with thorough brushing and flossing each and every day without fail, eat a healthy diet and come in more regularly for professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. With the proper oral hygiene, gingivitis can be defeated.
Unfortunately, once gum disease has advanced you can’t get rid of it. Luckily, we offer ways to manage your symptoms to improve the health of your gums. One of the most common treatment options is scaling and root planing, which simply means that your dentist will give your teeth, gums and under the gums a deep cleaning. The tooth roots will also be cleaned and smoothed down to prevent bacteria from growing there. Scaling and root planing helps the teeth and gums attach to one another again to prevent loose teeth and eventual tooth loss.
Sometimes surgery is truly the most effective way to treat severe gum disease or gum disease that has already caused bone loss and other complications. Flap surgery allows the dentist to make a small incision in the gums to pull the gums back to remove tartar. Sometimes areas of the bone are smoothed down to prevent the regrowth of bacteria. If there is bone or gum tissue loss, grafting techniques are performed to help rebuild these areas.
Whether you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease or you want to chat about your gum disease treatment options, our Albuquerque, NM, periodontal team is here to provide the dentistry you need for a healthier smile.